Context
Questions regarding the use of psychotropic medications in children and adolescents with autism have drawn significant attention in the scientific literature and public debates at the international level. However, to date, no dedicated epidemiological data are available on this topic in the scientific literature or in information provided by health agencies or public authorities in France. This article aims to analyze data from the National Health Data System (SNDS) to describe trends in psychotropic medication use among children and adolescents with autism between 2010 and 2022, as well as the clinical, demographic, and social factors contributing to these prescriptions.
Methods
A systematic analysis was conducted on psychotropic medication use in autistic patients aged 0 to 17 years within the SNDS database (covering 99% of the population residing in France) from 2010 to 2022. The study focused on the following classes of medications: N05A antipsychotics, N05B anxiolytics, N05 C hypnotics and sedatives, N06A antidepressants, N06B psychostimulants, N03 antiepileptics, and N04 antiparkinsonians.
Results
Analysis of the SNDS data revealed a high rate of psychotropic medication use among children and adolescents with autism: 36.8% in 2022, including 26.3% among 0–2-year-olds, 27.8% among 3–5-year-olds, 36.5% among 6–11-year-olds, and 41.7% among 12–17-year-olds. The use of psychotropic medications in autistic patients aged 0 to 17 years remained stable between 2010 (31.8%) and 2019 (31.6%) but increased from 2019 to 2022 (36.8%). However, disparities are observed across treatment subclasses: a decrease in antiepileptics (N03A) (7.5% in 2010 to 3.9% in 2022), antiparkinsonians (N04A) (2.2% in 2010 to 1.2% in 2022), antipsychotics (N05A) (18.6% in 2010 to 16.1% in 2022), and anxiolytics (N05B) (10.2% in 2010 to 8.3% in 2022); and an increase in hypnotics (N05C) (0.7% in 2010 to 15.4% in 2022), antidepressants (N06A) (2.5% in 2010 to 3.8% in 2022), and psychostimulants (N06B) (6.3% in 2010 to 11.9% in 2022). These prescription rates are accompanied by significant consumption volumes, with an average of 18 to 19 boxes per year per child and treatment durations exceeding 10 years. Polypharmacy is prevalent, and associated biological monitoring is insufficient. The social disadvantage rate within this population was 43.5% in 2022.
Discussion
The findings are discussed in light of international scientific consensus, recommendations from health agencies, and contemporary initiatives focusing on deprescription practices in autism care for children and adolescents. Further research is needed to explore the potential adverse effects of these medications, the clinical reasons for their prescriptions, and the most suitable therapeutic strategies for autistic children.
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